Letters From The Editor: Carve out time for Pumpkins and Pancakes

I like it for the pancakes. Pumpkins and Pancakes, really. Two things that go together about as well as chicken and waffles.

The annual event by the same name at South Coast Plaza is one to which I always look forward. Not only is it a fun activity, where they serve good breakfast and entertain children with music, crafts and character appearances, but it benefits Orange County youngsters in the toughest of circumstances.

These are kids who may or may not be enjoying Halloween because they are sick, in the throes of the dysfunctional family court system or are recovering from neglect and abuse.

Tough stuff. Regardless, Pumpkins and Pancakes organizers work to help those in need by making sure everyone is having fun while they raise money for little ones who are not. And they've been at it for 20 years.

Pumpkins and Pancakes helps the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County, which serves abused, abandoned and neglected foster teens; the Children's Hospital of Orange County Foundation, which treats our sickest children; and the Orangewood Children's Foundation, which shelters abandoned and abused and neglected minors.

Good causes, all.

Now younger kids don't need to know why they are at the event because their ears may not be ready to hear about the heroic work done by CASA, CHOC and Orangewood. No matter. They'll be filled by food from Plums Café and entertained by music, face painting, balloon artists, caricature drawings, photographers, hair feather artists, costumed characters and other activities.

Pumpkins and Pancakes is from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 each if you buy them by noon Friday and $35 at the door. Children 2 and younger get in for free. For more information, call (714) 435-2171.

JOHN CANALIS is editor of the Daily Pilot, Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot and the Huntington Beach Independent. He can be reached at (714) 966-4607 and john.canalis@latimes.com.